Chapter 16: Secrets Behind Smiles

Jaxon stared at the silver pendant resting in Sable's hand.

His expression hardened instantly.

"You're certain you left it hidden?"

"Positive."

"I wrapped it inside my spare clothes before dinner."

"When I returned... it was sitting on my pillow."

"Nothing else was missing."

Ethan stepped closer.

"Someone wasn't stealing."

"They were sending a message."

"Exactly," Jaxon replied.

"They know we have evidence."

"Or they wanted us to know they're watching," Sable added.

The room fell silent.

Outside, laughter echoed through the palace as guests enjoyed the evening banquet.

Inside...

The atmosphere couldn't have been more different.

"Lock your doors tonight," Jaxon said.

"And don't go anywhere alone."

Sable crossed her arms.

"You sound like you're giving orders."

"I am."

"You're still my guest."

"And you're carrying evidence someone clearly wants."

She looked at him for a long moment.

Then she quietly nodded.

"Fine."

"But you're following the same rule."

Ethan smirked.

"Good luck ordering him around."

"Someone has to," Sable replied.

Jaxon almost smiled.

Almost.

"We'll meet before sunrise," he said.

"No one leaves their room without informing the others."

"Agreed."

Later that evening...

A formal banquet was held inside Bloodlust's grand ballroom.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated hundreds of guests.

Music drifted softly through the hall.

Servants moved gracefully between tables carrying expensive wine and elaborate meals.

Every Alpha in attendance wore a polite smile.

Every conversation sounded friendly.

Yet beneath those smiles...

Everyone was measuring everyone else.

Jaxon noticed it immediately.

"Politics," Ethan muttered.

"The deadliest battlefield of all."

Across the room, Jasper stood speaking with several neighboring Alphas.

He laughed easily.

Confidently.

Like a man completely in control.

"He's watching everyone," Sable whispered.

"Not just watching."

"Calculating."

As if hearing them, Jasper glanced in their direction.

He raised his glass with a charming smile.

Jaxon simply nodded.

Neither trusted the other enough for anything more.

A young servant approached Sable.

"My lady."

"Alpha Jasper requests a private conversation in the garden."

Sable frowned.

"Now?"

"Yes."

"He said it's regarding Ash Fang."

Jaxon immediately stepped forward.

"She won't be going alone."

The servant bowed politely.

"The invitation was only for Lady Sable."

"Then politely refuse," Jaxon answered.

Before the servant could leave...

Sable touched Jaxon's arm.

"Wait."

"I should hear what he wants."

"It's dangerous."

"Probably."

"Which is exactly why I need to know what game he's playing."

Jaxon looked directly into her eyes.

"Five minutes."

"If you're not back..."

"You'll come find me."

"Exactly."

She gave a small nod before following the servant outside.

The palace gardens were breathtaking.

Moonlight reflected across marble fountains.

White roses lined every pathway.

The scent of jasmine drifted through the cool night air.

Jasper stood beside a fountain with his hands behind his back.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"The garden?" Sable asked.

"Or your timing?"

He smiled.

"I like direct people."

"Good."

"Then let's skip the small talk."

His expression became serious.

"You're wasting your future with Winter Moon."

Sable didn't answer.

"You're talented."

"Disciplined."

"Fearless."

"Those qualities deserve a greater purpose."

"Meaning?"

"Join Bloodlust."

"Fight for me instead."

Sable stared at him.

For several seconds, neither spoke.

Then she laughed.

Not politely.

Genuinely.

"Did I say something amusing?" Jasper asked.

"Very."

"You think I'd betray people who saved my life?"

"People change."

"Not that much."

"Everyone has a price," Jasper replied calmly.

"Mine doesn't."

"We'll see."

His crimson eyes narrowed slightly.

"Tell me something, Sable."

"Has Jaxon told you the truth yet?"

Her heartbeat skipped.

"What truth?"

Jasper smiled again.

"Interesting..."

"So he hasn't."

"Perhaps he doesn't trust you as much as you trust him."

Before Sable could respond...

Jaxon appeared at the entrance to the garden.

"Five minutes are over," he said coldly.

"Our conversation is finished."

Jasper looked amused.

"Protective already?"

"She's under my protection while she's here."

"Of course she is."

"Good evening, Alpha."

Jasper walked away without another word.

Sable remained standing beside the fountain.

"What did he mean?" she asked quietly.

"About what?"

"The truth you haven't told me."

Jaxon hesitated.

Only for a moment.

"Tomorrow," he finally said.

"After the summit begins."

"I'll tell you everything."

Sable searched his face.

He wasn't lying.

But he wasn't telling the whole truth either.

Somewhere above them...

Hidden on the palace rooftop...

A masked assassin quietly lowered his crossbow.

"Target confirmed," he whispered into the darkness.

"Awaiting the final order."